Child protective services workers can find their jobs both challenging and rewarding. They help young children but also have to manage troubling family dynamics. CPS workers typically complete a master's in social work, though some may pursue degrees in counseling, psychology or a related field.

Applying Social Welfare Policy

Social welfare policy courses explore how CPS workers can develop strategies or policies to solve a social problem or meet the needs of target populations, like children. Most master's degree programs in social work include at least one class in social welfare policy. CPS workers use this training to find placement for children within the constraints of the law, connect families with government programs that can help them, or report abusive or neglectful parents using the right channels to ensure that they face legal consequences.

Child Development for Counseling

Some CPS workers may provide counseling for the children with whom they work, and training in child and adolescent development can help them meet the needs of these children. Some programs may include courses of this specific title, while others may include these topics within a course with a broader scope. Students can also use clinical experience and internships to strengthen their knowledge of child and adolescent development. Learning about child and adolescent development can help CPS workers provide age-appropriate therapy for a child and evaluate the family situation to make a sound judgment about whether the child’s needs are being met.

Diagnosis With Psychopathology

Psychopathology is the study of mental disorders or maladaptive behaviors. Knowledge of psychopathology can help CPS workers treat abused and neglected children as well as give them insights into the parents of those children. This knowledge can be useful in court proceedings or in determining a treatment plan for the children. CPS workers can identify the development of mental disorders or behavioral issues in abused or neglected children and can recommend an appropriate specialist, placement in a treatment center, or placement in a home that can provide the needed support structure.

Direct Social Work Practice

CPS workers spend much of their time in direct client interaction. Therefore, they need solid training in direct social work practice and clinical skills. Students may have to take a class called direct social work practice, or they may need a number of courses in clinical experience to get this training. While theoretical courses can provide the knowledge that CPS workers need, courses or clinical training in direct social work practice focus on the practical day-to-day skills that CPS workers will use, such as writing reports, interviewing witnesses, or meeting with families.

About the Author

Maria Magher has been working as a professional writer since 2001. She has worked as an ESL teacher, a freshman composition teacher and an education reporter, writing for regional newspapers and online publications. She has written about parenting for Pampers and other websites. She has a Master's degree in English and creative writing.